The different generations, their views on relationships, and their dating habits:

 

Silent Generation (1928-1945)

• View on relationships: In the past, we needed a life partner to build a future, and partners were dependent on each other. Marriages were often within familiar social circles, and the fact that families knew each other provided a sense of security. Love seemed simple, clear, and safe. Relationships and marriages were largely based on traditional social norms. Divorce was rare and often socially unacceptable.
• Dating habits: Formal courtship was the norm. Many people met their partners through family, friends, or shared social activities.

Annemieke: “The Silent Generation saw relationships or marriage as a lifelong commitment, with an emphasis on stability and loyalty. Partners generally met through family or shared social activities.”

 

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

• View on relationships: The rise of individualism and personal expression in relationships. Greater acceptance of divorce and non-traditional relationship forms.
• Dating habits: Traditional, but with more freedom than the previous generation. Dating through work, school, and social events became more common. Marriages typically occurred in early adulthood.

Annemieke: “The rise of individual freedom and self-expression transformed the relationship landscape for Baby Boomers. Marriages began happening later in life, and there was greater acceptance of divorce and non-traditional relationship forms.”

 

Generation X (1965-1980)

• View on relationships: More pragmatic and independent. Marriages and relationships were increasingly based on personal fulfillment and less on social obligations.
• Dating habits: The rise of personal ads and video dating services. Increased focus on personal choice and compatibility. Divorce became more widely accepted.

Annemieke: “Generation X takes a pragmatic approach to love and relationships, focusing on the pursuit of personal happiness and seeing a partner as a means to enhance that happiness. This generation values pragmatism and independence in relationships, with more emphasis on individualism than on social obligations. We start with our own needs and explore how our partner can fulfill them.”

 

Millennials (1981-1996)

• View on relationships: Strong emphasis on equality, fairness, and partnership in relationships. Many Millennials delay marriage to focus first on career and personal development.
• Dating habits: Growing popularity of online dating and dating apps. 74% of single Millennials use dating apps, spending an average of two hours a day on them. Social media plays a major role in meeting partners. There’s greater openness to different forms of relationships, such as cohabiting without marriage. An increasing proportion of Millennials choose to remain single, valuing freedom and independence. Only 44% of Millennials are married, a lower percentage than previous generations at the same age.

Annemieke: “For Millennials, relationships and partners must be equal, a partnership where both parties contribute equally while still being able to grow personally. Millennials place great value on equality and partnership in relationships, but often delay marriage to focus first on career and personal development.”

 

Generation Z (1997-2012)

• View on relationships: Highly digitally connected. Great importance placed on authenticity and transparency in relationships. More aware of mental health and well-being in relationships.
• Dating habits: Primarily through dating apps and social media. More experimental and open to various forms of relationships, including polyamory and open relationships. Online interactions and communication play a central role. Although 74% of Gen Z use dating apps, 90% are frustrated with them. This generation often looks for partners offline, through school, friends, or community activities.

Annemieke: “Gen Z places a strong emphasis on authenticity and mental health in relationships. They are digitally connected but are also becoming more critical of dating apps, with a growing preference for real, personal encounters.”

 

Generation Alpha (2013-2025)

• View on relationships: It’s still too early to draw definitive conclusions, but expected trends point toward even greater digitalization and a strong influence of technology and social media on relationships.
• Dating habits: Likely to be heavily dependent on future technological developments and cultural trends. They are expected to approach relationships from an even more digital perspective, possibly with new forms of interaction and communication.

 

Evolution of Dating Apps

Personal matchmaker Annemieke Dubois observes that dating apps are losing their appeal among users of all ages. “There is a growing sense that the algorithms aren’t helping people find what they are truly looking for in a relationship and a partner, and that dating app companies are primarily there to make money by hiding useful features behind paywalls. Disappointments and frustrations are rising rapidly.”

According to a 2023 study by Statista and the 2024 D.A.T.E. report (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) from Hinge, Gen Z is becoming more critical of what dating apps have to offer. “This generation focuses more on self-care and authenticity in dating than previous generations, and dating apps don’t meet the kind of real, authentic relationships they are trying to build,” says Annemieke. Many members of Gen Z find their partners offline, through school, chance encounters, or, much more than 10 years ago, through matchmaking agencies.

 

Conclusion

Each generation has a unique view and approach to dating and relationships, shaped by the cultural and technological context of their time. “Understanding these differences helps us better meet the needs and expectations of our clients,” concludes Annemieke Dubois. Jade & Jules remains committed to offering tailored matchmaking services that consider the evolving views and desires of each generation.